Recognizing Community Spirit

The annual Lieutenant Governor's Community Spirit Award will be given to several communities that have demonstrated exemplary civic and community spirit in the last year.

From January to March 2014, Nova Scotians sent in their submissions and the communities chosen are:

• Bridgewater
• St. Peter's, Richmond Co.
• Sackville area
• Town of Amherst

"Nova Scotia is a special place to live and visit because of our vibrant and resilient communities," said Lt.-Gov. J.J. Grant. "It is my privilege to recognize the extraordinary civic pride and genuine caring nature demonstrated by the citizens of the towns and villages honoured with this award."

Recently acknowledged by The Chronicle Herald as the best place in Atlantic Canada to raise a family, Bridgewater's submission highlighted several small projects like the community garden on Aberdeen Green, and the Ripples2Waves community blog. It also included larger initiatives, such as the annual Bridgewater Community Christmas Dinner, the creation of the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre and the move of the local library to its new home in the Lifestyle Centre.

"We moved a lot of books in a short time with many hands resulting in a collective act of generosity which speaks well of our friends and neighbours," said Troy Myers, chief librarian of the South Shore Public Libraries. "People who came together collectively displayed the marvelous community spirit of all the residents of Lunenburg County."

The St. Peter's and area communities application was prepared with input from many community volunteer organizations. It cited a diverse group of organizations that includes Bonnie Brae Senior Citizens Club, Friends of Leona-Pink Positive Team, Nicolas Denys Days, Festival of Trees, Celtic Colours concert and the St. Peter's Fire Department.

"St. Peter's and area is honoured and thrilled to have been selected for the Lieutenant Governor's Community Spirit Award. We look forward to sharing our little bit of paradise with the rest of Nova Scotia and the world," said Gordon Kerr, who nominated the village.

The Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage co-ordinates the award. Applicants who best fit the award's criteria are chosen by an independent selection committee.

"Nova Scotia is a province with many cultures contributing to its rich heritage. We have a reputation for warm and welcoming communities that provide our foundation and reflect who we are as citizens," said Tony Ince, Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage. "This award recognizes and celebrates the promotion of community spirit and civic duty for all Nova Scotians to emulate."

The submission for the Sackville area, which included Lower, Upper and Middle Sackville, and Beaver Bank, contained the Lake District Recreation Association, the Sack-A-Wa Canoe club, and the Beacon House Interfaith Society, which is a food bank, as examples of organizations that exhibit strong community spirit.

"We have fed and clothed about 650 families a month," said Beacon House site manager Rod Rowlands. "We have been working for almost 30 years delivering this very unique service. Working with other organizations, we build on ideas and resources to build on common goals."

The Fibre Arts and Rockabilly festivals, along with the Artisan's Market, Amherst Youth Town Council, the Train Station Artisans Gallery and Tantramar Seniors’ College were part of the Town of Amherst's application.

"Amherst is a community that has strength in our heritage, culture and diversity; but most importantly our strong sense of community spirit," said Jennifer Borne, business development officer, Town of Amherst. "It is an honour to be formally recognized for our community achievements by the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia."

Communities selected for the Lieutenant Governor's Community Spirit Award will be honoured at upcoming community celebrations. Lt.-Gov. Grant will attend the festivities to present an original piece of NovaScotian Crystal etched with a representation of each community's story.

For more information visit http://communityspiritaward.ca .